Method of and apparatus for producing motion picture films



Oct. 13, 1931. o. CHOUINARD 1,327,282 METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING MOTION PICTURE lms 4 Sheets-Sheet .1.

Filed Nov. 7, 1924 mve/ntoz Oct. 13, 1931. o. CHOUINARD METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING MOTION PICTURE FILMS Filed Nov. 7, 1924 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Oct. 13, 1931. o. CHOUINARD 1,327,232

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING MOTION PICTURE FILMS Filed Nov. 7, 1924 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 L. INVENTOR M a ATI'ORNEY5 Oct. 13,1931. 0. CHOUINARD 1,827,232

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING MOTION PICTURE FILMS Filed Nov. 7, 1924. 4 Sheetsfiheet 4 ni i'm INVE NTOR 0 I o M WMiM 9 ATTORNEY Patented Oct. 13, 1931,

UNITED STATES PATENT; OFFICE OSCAR CHOUINARD, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., ASSIGNOR TO MOTION PICTURE IMPROVE-.

MENTS, INC., NEW YORK, N. Y.,.A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK METHOD 01 AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCTNG MOTION PICTURE. FILMS Application filed November This invention relates to method of and apparatus for producing motion picture films. More particularly, it relates to that class of pictures wherein moving objects,

such an animated objects, are to be recorded in cooperation with scenic efiects. It is especially advantageous where the scenic effects are of relatively great magnitude.

An object of the invention is to satisfactorily produce such moving pictures with rapidity, accuracy and case; at relatively small expense.

More particularly, the object of the invention is to produce moving pictures of animated objects and scenic or other effects wherein the scenic or other effects are recorded in positive, direct and accurate relation to the moving objects, without theheavy cost of locating and/or in a manner not 0 practical heretofore.

Briefly stated, according to the preferred manner of carrying out the invention, I employ a background which will absorb actinic light rays, and the movement of the players,

or other moving objects in front of the background, are recorded on two films without a visible background, the varying position of the moving objects being recorded on the respective films in direct synchronism. One of the films is developed and both films are preferably wound back to their zero position. By means of a projecting light, a frame from the developed film is projected through a suitable condenser and a lens onto a dark reflecting screen which absorbs substantially all actinic light rays, thereby causing the object so projected to appear as a light image on the dark reflecting screen. A light scenlc effect is then produced, around said light image, which will 40 reflect actinic light rays, preferably by painting or sketching on the reflecting screen. The screen is termed a reflecting screen to differentiate it from the non-actinic background before which the obj ect's initially photographed are positioned, and since in the actual operation of the apparatus this screen will reflect actinic rays during the carrying out of the process. In the present embodiment, the screen is initially of a non-actinic character and the scenic effectfis produced 7, 1924. Serial No. 748,312.

thereon after the projection of the first image from the developed film, as noted above, and as will be more particularly pointed out following. This scenic effect is then moved into focal registration with the recordin camera containing the sensitized film whic bears objects in direct relation to the developed film.

Suitable illuminating means are then operated, and the shutter of the recording camera is opened, thereby double exposing the corresponding frame of the sensitized film to the actinic light rays reflected from the scenic effect on the reflecting screen. Since the spot where the image of the object registers is not capable of reflecting actinic light ra s from the illuminating source, the scenic effect Will only be reproduced on the sensitized film ad'acent to and substantially surrounding the ob ect, but notoverlying the same. The recording camera shutter is now closed, the illuminating means made inoperative, and the reflecting screen is moved back into focal registration with the projecting camera. Both films are moved to the second frame. The next frame of the developed film is projected onto the reflecting screen as before and the scenic effect altered to suit the altered position of the image of the object so projected. The altered scenic effect is recorded on the sensitized film by double exposure as explained above, and so on step by step until the entire sensitized film has been double exposed.

The invention consists in the method which is herein described according to the preferred manner of practicing the same, and in the novel features, arrangements, combinations and construction of parts of the apparatus and means also hereinafter described in accordance with certain preferred embodi ments thereof. The invention will 'be more particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

Further objects of the invention will more fully appear from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings illustrating the preferred embodiment of the apparatus used in carrying out the method.

Referring to the drawings illustrating, by way of example, such apparatus,

Fig. 1 represents the subject matter to be recorded;

Fig. 2 diagrammatically represents means for recording moving objects in synchronous relation on two films;

Fig. 3 is a front elevation of the recording cameras;

Fig. 4 is a side elevation of the recording cameras with parts broken away;

Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic plan view showing means for directing the cameras to a common focal point;

Fig. 6 is a somewhat diagrammatic plan view of means for recording scenic effects with respect to a moving object already photographed;

Fig. 7 shows control details of Fi 6;

Fig. 8 is a section on line 8-8 of Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 shows details of an electric. switch;

Fig. 10 is a section on line 1010 of Fig. 9;

Fig. 11 is a plan View showing the motor and clutch mechanism for driving the cameras;

Fig. 12 is a rear elevation of the apparatus shown in Fig. 11; and

Fig. 13 is a section taken on line 1313 of Fig. 12.

Apparatus Referring to the drawings, and more particularly to Figs. 3, 4 and 5, two moving picture cameras 1, 1' are mounted on a common base such as 2, and the base 2 is pivotally mounted on the tripod 2', These cameras are adapted to be operated, or driven, by a common shaft 3 which may be rotated by the detachable crank handle 4. The shaft 3 connects the two cameras in synchronous driving relation in the following manner: The shaft 3 carries bevel gears 5, 5 pinned thereto, and in mesh with respectively co-operating gears 6, 6 attached respectively to stub shafts 7, 7 which carry respectively the flexible drive shafts 8, 8'. The flexible shafts 8, 8 are adapted to detachably engage the respective slow motion or stop motion cranks 9,9 or the regular cranks 10, 10. The regular cranks 10, 10 are geared to the stop motion cranks 9, 9 respectively in an 8:1 ratio. That is, one revolution of the stop motion cranks 9, 9 will move the films 1 frame distance each; while one revolution of the regular (8: l) cranks 10, 10' will move the films eight frame distances each. The cameras are provided respectively with suitable indicator means such as 11, 11 to designate the relative frame position of the films, and are also provided with suitable punch means 12, 12 respectively in order to indicate when the exposures are started, and to enable the films to be turned back to the zero position. Index pointers 13, 13' (Fig. 5) are attached respectively to the cameras 1, 1' which are ivotally mounted on the base 2 by means of pivots 14, 14' respectively. Graduated indexes 15, 15 are provided on the base 2 adjacent respectively to the index inters 13, 13 and permit of the accurate setting of the cameras to the desired common focal point, or in parallel relation as shown. Stud bolts 16, 16 project up from the base 2, extend respectively through the arcuate slots 17, 17, formed in the index pointers 13, 13, and carry locking wing nuts 18, 18 adapted to lock the cameras 1, 1 in desired adjusted position.

Fig. 2 shows the cameras 1,-1' adjusted to a common focal point such as a screen 19 which in the preferred embodiment, is of a suitable character adapted to absorb actinic light rays, for example, a black screen. Illuminating means such as the two lights 20, 20 are rovided for illuminating the objects to be p otographed. This arrangement is for recording the moving objects, as will he hereinafter more particularly explained under Operation.

In recording the scenic effect, the cameras 1, 1' are mounted on a stand 21 (Figs. 6 and 11) with their focal axes parallel. In place of the crank handle 4 (Fig. 3) a suitable driving means such as a motor 22 (Figs. 11, 12 and 13) engages the end of the shaft in amanner now to be described. The motor 22 is mounted on the stand 21 and carries a shaft 23 adapted to be continuously rotated during the recording of the scenic effect. The shaft 23 carries a driving clutch disc 24 pinned thereto and provided with a concentric stub shaft 25. A shaft 26 is provided with a socket in driving engagement with the end of the camera shaft 3, and is supported in a suitable bearing 27 fastened to the stand 21. A clutch collar 28 is pinned to the shaft 26 and furnishes a free bearing for the end of the shaft 25 which is free to rotate with respect thereto. A driven clutch disc 29 is pinned to the shaft 26 and is adapted to cooperate with the driving clutch disc in the following manner: The clutch collar 28 carries an integral arm 30 to which a clutch arm 31 is pivotally attached. The clutch arm 31 is provided with a portion 32 on one end, adapted to engage a groove 33 formed in the clutch disc 24; and a portion 34 on the other end, adapted to engage a groove 35 formed in the clutch disc 29. An idle roller 36 is pivotally mounted on an arm 37 pivotally supported at its lower end on a supporting base 38 attached to the stand 21, and a tension coil spring 39 serves to hold the roller 36 toward the driven clutch disc 29. A concave recess 40 is formed in the driven clutch disc 29 adjacent the recess 35. A tension coil spring 41 is attached to the collar 28 and the end of the control arm 31 adjacent the end 32. but is more resilient than the spring 39. A cable 42 is connected at one end to the wheel 36 to oscillate the same about the pivot of the support 38 and thereby pull thewheel 36 away from the driven control wheel 29 against the action of the sprin 39. This cable asses around suitable guide pulleys 43 an 43 (see also Fig. 8), and is attached at its otherend to the bell crank 44, suported on a stationary bracket 45, and held in a neutral position by a tension coil spring 46 anchored to a stationary support 47.

The partly diagrammatic view shown in Fig. 6 represents the cameras mounted on the stand 21, and adapted to be driven by motive power as just described, co-operatively positioned in front of a reflecting screen 48. This screen althou h initially of a non-actinic color, such as blacTr, is provided with an actinic scenic effect after the first frame of the developed film is projected, and in order to differentiate it from the background before which the images are initially photographed, will be referred to as a reflecting screen, since in the carrying out of the process it refleets actinic light rays in its altered form. This screen is mounted on a suitable frame 49, by means of the casters 50, and is adapted to be moved along the frame transversely to the focal axes of the cameras 1, 1. The illuminating lights 20, 20 are adapted to be directed so as to illuminate the screen 48 when in focal registration with the camera 1, which in this instance is the recording camera. The lights 20, 2 0 are in the electrical circuit 51 furnished with electrical energy bly any suitable means such as a generator 52. stop 53' is provided on the frame 49 (Fig. 7 adjacent the side of the frame in front of the recording camera 1 to position the screen in proper registration and focus with respect to the camera 1, and carries an electrical spring contact switch 54 (Figs. 9 and 10) which is in the circuit 51 and is adapted to be closed by the screen 48 as it moves against the stop 53, to thereby operate the lights 20, 20. As the screen is moved away toward the opposite side of the frame, in front of the projecting camera 1, the switch 54, will open, to thereby cut off the light 20, 20. A sto 53 is pro vided at the opposite side of the rame 49 for positioning the screen 48 in proper-registration and focus with respect to the camera 1. The screen 48 carries latch brackets 55 and 55 (Figs. 7 and 8) one on eachside, adapted to engage respectively with the latches56 and 56 carried on respective sides of the frame 49, and held in operative position by the tension coil springs 57 and 57'. These latches serve to hold the screen in its correct focal position with-respect to'one or theother of said cameras, and may be operated against the spring tension of their respective springs to release the screenf A-trip 58 is attached to the screen 48 in a co-operatwe position with the bell crank 44, so that as the screen is moved into focal registration of the projecting camera 1, toward the stop 53', the bell crank 44 will be moved clockwise (Fig. 8) and allowed to be returned to its neutral position immediately thereafter by the spring 46.

A projecting box 59' (Fig. 6) including a lightsource 60 and condensing lenses 61 is attached to the rear of the camera 1, which will hereafter be referred to as the projecting camera (see also Figs. 11 and 12).

The face of the reflecting screen 48 is of a non-actinic character, i. e., of such a character that it will absorb substantially all aetinic light rays and will only reflect substantially non-actinic light rays. In the present embodiment a black surface is used. An image projected through the lens from a film in the projecting camera 1 onto the reflecting screen 48 will produce a light image on the reflecting screen.

Operation The moving -objectin this instance the actor shown in dotted lines in Fig. l--is positioned in front of the black screen19 (Fig. 2). The cameras 1 and 1, bearing sensitized films, are focused on the actor and locked on the base 2 which is adapted to swivel on its tripod support 2 to move the cameras so focused in order that the movements of the actor may be followed. The operating crank handle 4 of the cameras is geared up to the regular drive shafts 10, 10.

The lights 20, 20 are operated to illuminate the actor. The films are each punched by means of the punches 12, 12, or otherwise suitably marked so that their zero position with respect to the present scene or set may be later determined. The cameras are now operated by turning the crank handle 4 and the movements of the actor are recorded on the two films in synchronous relation. It will therefore be seen that the two films will record the actor in varying positions on successive frames, and that each frame on one film will be in direct step with the respective frame of the other film. Due to the black screen 19 no visible-background will be recorded on the films. covering and furniture, or other similar articles, may be placed and photographed, as the occasion may demand. These are not considered in this instance as being or constituting a background.

One of the films, for instance the one from camera 1, is now developed. Both films are.

now preferably wound back to the zero position, the film in camera 1 remaining undeveloped and only exposed as tothe move ments of the actor, and such miscellaneous articles as above pointed out.,

The cameras are now mounted upon the stand 21 (Fig. 6) and are focused in parallel relation and the cameras so positioned with respect to the support 49 that the screen If desirable, the floor 48 will be in exact pro or relation as indicated. The crank han le 4 is removed and the motor and clutch mechanism is attached to the drive shaft 3 as above described in connection with Figs. 11 and 12. A projecting box is now attached to the camera 1. The shutters of the cameras are set 180 apart with respect to each other, so that when the shutter of the projecting camera 1 is open the shutter of the recording camera 1 will be closed, and vice versa. The flexible shafts 8, 8 are now connected respectively to the stop motion shafts 9, 9 so that one revolution of the shaft 3 will cause the films in the cameras to move forward one frame distance onl The screen 48 is now moved into focus and correct registration with respect to the projecting camera 1 and is held in such position by the catch 55 and co-operating latch 56 (Fig. 8). The projecting camera is in operative position with its shutter opened and the shutter of the recording camera is closed. The motor is started but is disconnected from driving the cameras due to the roller 36 (Fig. 11) inoperatively positioning the clutch arm 31.

The object from a frame of the developed film in camera 1 is projected onto the nonactinic screen 48 and appears as a light image. An artist now paints a scenic effect such as is represented in Fig. 1, on the screen in such relation to the image of the projected object represented in Fig. 1 in dotted lines) that no portion of the scenic effect overlaps the image. The materials used to produce this scenic effect are of such a character that they will reflect actinic light rays. It will therefore be seen that the screen 48 now contains a scenic effect capable of reflecting actinic light rays and a portion in register with the projected object which will absorb actinic light rays.

The latch 56 is now opened, to release the catch 55, and the screen bearing the scenic effect is moved across the support 49 transversely to the focalaxes of the cameras, to the opposite side. Just before the stop 53 is reached the trip 58 strikes the bell crank 44 (Fig. 7) to operate the camera motive means, as will be presently described. The switch 54 is closed and the illuminating lights 20. are thereby lighted. The catch 56 locks the screen in proper registration and focus with the recording camera 1. When the hell crank 44 was moved this motion was transmitted through the cable 42 (Fig. 8) and the roller 36 (Figs. 11, 12 and 13) thereby withdrawn from its recess against the action of the spring 39. As soon as this took place the spring 41 operated the arm 31 to seat the same in the groove 33 in the driving disc 24 and the clutch mechanism as a whole was rotated to drive the camera shaft 3. This closes the shutter of the projectin camera and opens the shutter of the recor ing camera to double expose the frame of the undeveloped film corresponding to the frame previously projected from the developed film; and the scenic effect reflects the actinic light rays from the lights 20, 20, to thereby superpose the scenic effect on this frame of the recording film in direct co-operative relation with the object recorded thereon by the first exposure of the object itself. The shutter of the recording camera is closed, the shutter of the projecting camera opened, and both films are moved to corresponding respective frames. This takes place during one complete rotation of the shaft 3 and at this time the driven disc 29 has also made one complete revolution, resulting in the seating of the roller 36 in its recess 40, thereby depressing the end 34 of the control arm 31 in the recess 35 which correspondingly raises the end 32 clear of the driving clutch disc 24 to thereby disconnect the motor shaft 23 from driving the shaft 3.

The screen 48 is now released from the latch 56 and moved back to its proper position with respect to the projecting cameras, and is locked in this position by means of the latch 56 as heretofore explained. The object from the second frame of the developed film is now projected onto the screen 48, and, if the relative position of the actor has changed so as to overlap a part of the scenic effect, that part of the scenic effect so covered by the image is removed or covered over with a non-actinic reflecting material, such as black paint. Also, if the changed position of the projected object has left a blank space, the scenic effect is altered to cover the space. It will therefore be seen that the scenic effect may in this manner be altered to suit the altered position of the object on the developed film, in direct and accurate relation to the altered position of the object.

The screen is now moved back to the recording position, and the double exposure of the sensitized film is carried out as before. Respective frames of the developed and undeveloped films are alternately projected and double exposed until the entire undeveloped film bears the desired amount of the scenic effect recorded on the background adjacent to and substantially surrounding the moving object previously recorded thereon, in such a manner that no part of the scenic effect is overlapping the moving object.

The film which has been double exposed in the above manner is now developed in the usual way, and is ready for use, as will be obvious to those skilled in the art.

Instead of painting the scenic effect on the screen, it may be produced in pastel. In such case the pastel or similar actinic scenic effect will be utilized as a screen 48, and when the first image is projected from the developed film the area coextensive with the projected image will be substantially matted out with a non-actinicvcolor, such as black; and subsequent alterations will be made. in a manner similar to that described in connection with the screen 48, above referred to. Likewise, a scenic effect may be produced by other means so long as the scenic effect is capable of reflecting actinic light rays and the portion of the senic effect in register with the object on the films is of a character adapted to absorb actinic light raysi. e., of reflecting only nonactinic light rays.

Instead of using the same two cameras throughout the productionof the films, two sets of cameras may be equally as well employed; one set consisting of the recording cameras merely; and the second set being composed of one recording and one reproducing camera.

While the scenic effect represented in the drawings is a landscape, it is obvious, as suggested above, that the scenic effect may be a building or other object which would'be relatively expensive to duplicate or build to actual scale.

It is also obvious that various effects other than pertain to inanimate objects ma be thus produced on a screen and utilized or making moving picture films such for example as of a humorous or grotesque nature; and it is to be understood that actinic efi'ects referred to in the claims are such effects having actinic characteristics as are produced for purposes of being finally superimposed on the film by double exposure, whether pertaining to and forming a part of inanimate or animate objects; all of which will be well understood by those skilled in the art after understanding my invention.

Having thus described my invention with particularity with reference to the preferred method of carrying out the same and in connection with the preferred apparatus for carrying out the same, and having referred to some of the possible modifications thereof, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art, after understanding my invention, that other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of my invention,and I aim in the ap ended claims to cover such changes and modi cations as are within the scope of the invention.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

1. The method of producing motion pic-- ture films, which comprises making duplicate exposures on two films of moving objects having actinic properties substantially different from those of the background therefor, developing one of said films, projecting images from the respective frames of said developed film successively toward an actinic background, successively altering the actinic effect of said background complementary to and in registration with the respective projected images, and double exposing said undevelopedfilm by subjecting its respective frames to said background as successively altered in actinic effect and without substantial effect thereon of the respective projected images.

2. The method of producing -mo tion picture films, which comprises making duplicate exposures on two films of moving objects having actinic properties substantially different from those of the background therefor, developing one of said films, projecting images from the respective frames of said developed film successively toward an actinic background, successively altering the actinic effect of said background complementary to and in registration with the respective projected images, and double exposing said undeveloped film by subjecting its respective frames to said background as successively altered in actinic effect but without effect of said images on said undeveloped film.

3. The method of producing motion picture films, which comprises having in a projecting camera a developed film containing representations of an object in varying positions, having-in a recording camera an undeveloped exposed film bearing substantially only latent representations of said object in its different posltions, projecting an image of one of said representations from said developed film toward an actinic scenic efiect, during projection of said image altering a portion of said scenic effect complementary to and in registration with said projected image, eliminating the projection of said image, and taking a picture of said altered scenic effect on the frame of the undeveloped film in the recording camera containing a latent representation of the object corresponding to 4. The method of producing motion picture films, which comprises having ina projecting camera a developed film comprising a series of frames each having a representation of an object in a varying position thereof, having in a recording camera an undeveloped exposed film comprising a series of frames each having a light sensitive surface and a latent representation similar to the aforesaid respective representations, projecting an image of'a representation from the developed film toward an actinic scenic effect complementary to and in registration with said projected image, during projection of, said image altering a portion of said scenic effect, eliminating the projection of said image, and taking a picture of said altered scenic effect on the frame of the undeveloped film containing the latent representation of the object corresponding to that representation projected from the developed film.

5. The method of producing motion picture films, which comprises having in a projecting camera a developed film comprising a series of frames each having a representation of an object in varying positions thereof, having in a recording camera an undeveloped exposed film comprising a series of frames each having a light sensitive surface and a latent representation similar to the aforesaid respective representations, projecting an image of a representation from the developed film toward an actinic scenic effect, during projection of said image altering a portion of said scenic effect complementary to and in registration with said projected image, eliminating the projection of said image, taking'a picture of said altered scenic effect in proper registration on the frame of the undeveloped film containing the latent representation of the object corresponding to that one projected from the developed film, and thus continuing to project images from the developed film, alter said scenic effect, and expose the corresponding frame of the undeveloped film to said altered scenic effect.

6. The method of producing motion picture films, which comprises. having in a projecting camera a developed film containing a series of images of objects in varying positions, having in a recording camera an undeveloped exposed film bearing latent images of a similar series of identical objects, pro jecting an image of an object from the developed film onto a screen having an actinic scenic effect and while the image of the object is projected on the screen producing an altered actinic scenic effect registering with respect to the image of the projected object on the screen. said scenic effect being complementary with respect to said image, then moving said scenic effect with respect to the position occupied by the projected image, and then taking a picture of said scenic effect in proper registration on the frame of the undeveloped film in the recording camera containing the object corresponding to that one projected from the developed film.

7. The method which comprises operating a projecting camera. containing a developed lm bearing a sequence of images of objects in varying positions and a recording camera containing an exposed undeveloped film hearing latent images of a similar sequence of identical objects. so that the shutters of said cameras will be opened alternately to thereby first project a frame from the developed film, and expose the corresponding frame of the undeveloped film in definite predetermined relation with respect to an actinic scenic effect, alternately projecting a frame of the developed film, and exposing in proper registration the corresponding frame of said undeveloped film and altering said actinic scenic effect during the projecting periods of the frames complementary with respect to the respective projected images to accommodate the changing position of images of the objects on said films.

8. The method of producing motion picture films bearing images of a scenic effect and a moving object, the respective actinic properties of which are substantially different, which consists in simultaneously exposing two sensitized films moving in direct timed relation one with the other so as to record images of the moving object on said films, developing one of said films, winding both of said films back to the zero position, projecting a frame from said developed film onto a suitable background, sketching with suitable medium the desired scenic effect complementary to and in proper relation to the image of said projected frame, eliminating the image of said projected frame so as to form an actinic scenic effect from said background, relatively moving said actinic scenic effect into proper focus and registration with respect to said undeveloped film, illuminating said scenic effect, double exposing the corresponding frame of said undeveloped film to thereby superpose an image of said scenic effect thereon with respect to said corresponding frame, and developing said double exposed film.

9. The method of producing motion picture films, which comprises simultaneously operating a projecting camera containing an exposed developed film bearing images of objects of varying positions and a recording camera containing an exposed undeveloped film bearing latent images of identical objects in direct registration with said developed film so that said cameras will be operated alternately to therebv first project a frame from the developed film, and then expose the corresponding frame of the undeveloped film, producing an actinic scenic effect in co-operative relation to the image of a projected object from said developed film, and then recording said scenic efi'ect in proper registration on the corresponding frame of the undeveloped film, successively projecting said developed film and exposing said undeveloped film without effect of the respective images thereon. and at the same time altering said scenic effect during the projecting periods of subsequent frames in accordance with the changing position of ob jects on said films.

10. The method of producing motion picducing an actinic scenic effect in co-operative relation to the image of a projected object from said developed film. and then recording an image of said scenic effect in proper registration on the corresponding frame of the undeveloped film, successively projecting said developed film and exposing said undeveloped film without effect of the respective images thereon and at the same time alterin said scenic effect during the projecting periods only to accommodate the changing position of the images of the objects on said films.

11. The method of producing motion picture films. which comprises simultaneously operating a projecting camera containing an exposed developed film bearing images of objects of varying positions and a recording camera containing an exposed undeveloped film bearing latent images of identical objects in direct registration with said developed film so that the shutters of said cameras will be opened alternately to thereby first project a frame from the developed film. and then expose the corresponding frame of the undeveloped film, producing an actinic scenic effect in co-operative relation to the image of a projected object from said developed film, and then recording said scenic V effect in proper registration on the corresponding frame of the undeveloped. film, successively projecting said developed film and exposing said undeveloped film'without effect of the respective images thereon, and at the same time altering said scenic effect during the projecting periods to accommodate the changing position of images of the objects on said films.

12. The method of producing moving picture films which comprises, taking a scene including moving objects on two co-operating films simultaneously, in such a manner that no background will be recorded on said films, developing one of said films, winding said films back to their co-operating zero positions, projecting the images of objects of successive frames from said developed film on a suitable background while the corresponding frames of said undeveloped film are protected from exposure. producing an actinic scenic effect on said background bearing proper relation to said images of the objects on respective frames and alternately eliminating the images of said projected objects from said scenic effect and double exposing said undeveloped film to take said scenic effects in proper registration on respective frames thereof.

13. The method of producing motion picture films bearing a scenic efi'ect and a moving object the respective actinic, properties of which are substantially different, which consists in exposing two sensitized films so as to record images of the same moving object in respective timed relation on said films, developing oneof said films, setting both of said films in a synchronous position, projecting a frame from said developed film onto a suitable background, producing the desired actinic scenic effect on said background with proper relation to the image of said object on said projected frame, removing the image of said projected object from said scenic background,jmoving said scenic background info correct registration and focus with respect to said undeveloped film, double exposing the corresponding frame of said undeveloped film to thereby superpose said scenic effect in proper registration with the latent image of the object on said corresponding frame of said undeveloped film, and developing said double exposed film.

14. The method of producing motion pic ture films bearing a scenic efiect and a moving object the respective actinic properties of which are substantially different, which consists in exposing two sensitized films so as to record identical images of moving objects in respective timed relation on said films, developing one of said films, setting both of said films back in a synchronous position, projecting a frame from said developed film onto a suitable background, producing the desired actinic scenic effect on said background with proper relation to the image of said object on said. projected frame, removing said projected object from said scenic background, double exposing the corresponding frame of said undeveloped film while said scenic background is in correct registration and focus therewith to thereby superpose said scenic efl'ect with respect to the latent image of said object on said corresponding frame of said undeveloped film, and developing said double exposed film.

15. The method of producing motion picture films bearing a scenic effect and a moving object the respective actinic properties of which are substantially different, which consists in simultaneously exposing two sensitized films moving in direct timed relation with each other so as to record images of the moving object on said films, developing one of said films, setting both of said films in a synchronous position. projecting a frame from said developed film onto a suitable background, producing the desired actinic scenic effect on said background with proper relation to the image of said object on said frame, removing the image of F'tlil'l projected object from said scenic background,

exposing the corresponding frame of said undeveloped film a second time while said scenic background is in correctregistration and focus therewith to thereby superpose said scenic effect with respect to the latent image of said object on said undeveloped film, closing the shutter to said undeveloped film, moving said films to correspoiuling subsequent frames, projecting the image of the object from the subsequent frame of said developed film on said scenic background, altering said scenic background to accon'n'nodate the image of the object of said subsequent frame, and double exposing the corresponding subsequent f amc of saidundeveloped film while said scenic background is in correct registration and focus therewith to thereby superpose-said altered scenic effect with respect to the latent image of said object on said corresponding subsequent frame of said undeveloped film, and developing said double exposed film.

16. The method of producing motion picture films bearing a scenic efiect and a moving object the respective aetinic properties of which are substantially different, which consists in simultaneously exposing two sensitized films moving in direct timed relation one with the other so as to record images of the moving object on said films, developing one of said films, winding both of said films back to the Zero position, projecting a frame from said developed film onto a suitable background, producing thedesired actinic scenic effect on said background with proper relation to the image of said object on said proj ected frame, removing the image of said projected object from said scenic background. double exposing the cprresponding frame of said undeveloped film while said'scenic background is in correct registration and focus therewith, to thereby superpose said scenic effect with respect to the latent image of said object on the corresponding frame of said undeveloped film, and developing said double exposed film.

17. In apparatus for producing motion picture films, the combination of a suitable camerasupport means, two cameras adjustably mounted on said means, a common driving means to operate said cameras in synchronism. a suitable projecting screen on which objects are adapted to be projected by one of said cameras, said projecting screen being adapted for successive movement into the focal range of each of said cameras respectively, and means for determining proper registry of said projecting screen with each of said cameras respectively.

18. In apparatus for producing motion picture films, the combination of means for synchronously recording the motion of objects on two films in direct timed relation, a projecting screen adapted to be moved transversely to the focal axes of said cameras into successive registry with each camera respectively, means for projecting objects from one film onto said screen so as to permit scenic effects to be produced on said screen in proper relation to said projected objects, and means for causing said scenic effect to be recorded on the other of said films.

19. In apparatus for producing motion picture films, two cameras mounted in co-operative relation, driving means for said cameras, a screen movable transversely to the focal axes of said cameras, and control means cooperatively associated with said screen and adapted to be operated by the movement of said screen for controlling said camera-driving means.

20. In apparatus for producing motion picture films, two cameras mounted in co-operative relation, a screen movable transversely to the focal axes of said cameras, and means cooperatively associated with said screen and adapted to be controlled by the movement of said screen for operating said cameras.

21. In apparatus for producing motion picture films, two cameras mounted in co-operative relation, a screen movable transversely to the focal axes of said cameras, illuminating means for lighting said screen, and means cooperatively associated with said screen and adapted to be controlled by the movement of said screen for operating said cameras and said illuminating means.

22. In apparatus for producing motion picture films, two cameras mounted in co-operative relation, a screen movable transversely to the focal axes of said cameras, project ing means associated with one of said cameras, illuminating means for lighting said screen, and means cooperatively associated with said screen and adapted to be controlled by the movement of said screen for operating said cameras and said illuminating means.

23. In apparatus for producing motion picture films, a recording camera, a projecting camera containing a developed film bearing images of an object in varying positions to represent the movement of said object, said recording camera containing an undeveloped film bearing images of an identical object in the same relative positions, a reflecting screen adapted to reflect non-actinic rays only and bearing scenic effects thereon which reflect actinic rays, said screen being adapted to move into focal registration respectively with each of said cameras, and illuminating means for producing actinic light rays to be reflected from said scenic effects.

24. A recording camera containing a sensi= tized film bearing images of an object in various relative positions to represent the movements of said object, a reflecting screen'bearing scenic effects adapted to reflect actinic light rays and a portion of said screen in register with one of said images on said film adapted to absorb actinic lightvrays, and illuminating means for producing actinic light rays to be reflected from said scenic effect to said sensitized film adjacent to but not overlying said object on said film.

25. In apparatus for producing motion (picture films, a projecting camera, a recor ing camera, motive means to drive said cameras, a screen movable transversel to the focal axes of said cameras, electrical illuminating means, means for controlling said motive means, and means in the electrical circuit of said illuminating means for controlling said illuminating means, said motive control means and said illuminatin control means being coo eratively associated with said screen and eing adapted for operation by the transverse movement of said screen.

26. The method of producing motion picture films, which comprises having in a projecting camera a developed film containing representations of an ob ect in varying posi tions, having in a recording camera an undeveloped exposed film bearin substantially only latent representations 0 said ob]ect in its different positions, projecting an image of one of said representations from said developed film toward an actinic scenic effect, during projection of said image altering a portion of said actinic effect complementary to and in registration with said projected image, and, without substantial effect of said image, taking a picture of said altered scenic effect on the frame of the undeveloped film in the recording camera containing a latent representation of the object corresponding to that one projected from the developed film, a representation of said scenic effect being thereby superposed in proper registration with respect to said latent representation.

27. In the motion picture film art, the method which comprises making simultaneous exposures on a plurality of film surfaces of a representation comprising regions largely' and substantially less reflective of actinic light rays respectively, treating one of said.

film surfaces to obtain a representation in the area thereof with which said actinic light rays coacted, passing a light beam through said last named film surface to produce an image of said last named representation on a surface, producing a view by arranging material largely reflective of actinic light rays in predetermined relation with respect to said image, and exposing another of said film surfaces to said view without substantial effect of said image thereon.

28. In the motion picture film art, the method which comprises making simultaneous exposures on a plurality of film surfaces of a representation comprising a movable figure and an adjacent surface, the reflectivity of said figure and said adjacent surface as regards actinic light rays differing to amarked extent, altering the reflectivity characteristic of said first named representation as regards actinic light rays, and making simultaneous exposures of said altered representation on said film surfaces.

regards actinic light rays differing to a marked extent, treating one of said film surfaces to obtain a representation in the area thereof with which coacted the actinic light rays of greater intensity, passing a light beam through said last named film surface to produce an image ofsaid last named representation on a surface, producing a view by arranging material highly reflective of actinic light rays in predetermined relation with respect to said image, and exposinganother of I said film surfaces to said view without substantial effect of said image thereon.

' 30. In the motion picture film art, the method which comprises making simultaneous exposures on a plurality of film surfaces of a representation comprising a movable figure and an adjacent surface, the reflectivity of said figure and said adjacent surface as regards actinic light rays being high and substantially zero respectively, treating one of said film surfaces to obtain a representation of said figure, passing a light beam through said last named film surface to produce an image of said last named representation on a surface, producing a view by arranging material highly reflective of actinic light rays in predetermined relation with re spect to said image, and exposing another of said film surfaces to said view without substantial effect of said image thereon.

31. In the motion picture film art, the method which comprises making simultaneous exposures on a plurality of film surfaces of a representation comprising a movable figure and an adjacent surface, the reflectivity a of said figure and said adjacent surface as 1 predetermined relation with respect to said image, discontinuing the existence of said image on said last named surface, and exposing another of said film surfaces to said view.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification.

OSCAR CHOUINARD.

1O CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION.

Patent No. 1,827,282. Granted October 13, 1931, to

OSCAR CHOUINARD.

It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: Page 1, line 5, for "an" read as; page 4, line 34, before the word "represented" insert a parenthesis; page 6, lines 87 and 88, claim 8, strike out the words "so as to form an actinic scenic effect" and insert the same to follow after "frame" and before the coma in line 85; page 8, line 119, claim 24, after "A" and before "recording" insert reflecting screen for a; same claim, line 122, for the article "a" read said; and that the said Letters Patent should be read with these corrections therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this 17th day of November, A. D. 1931.

. M. J. Moore, (Seal) Acting Commissioner of Patents. 

